Cook Skills Assessment for Australian Visa
ANZSCO 351411
Cooks are in high demand across Australia's hospitality, tourism, healthcare, and aged care sectors, making this an excellent pathway for skilled migration.
In-demand occupation in Australia
Annual Average Salary
$70,000 – $80,000
Pathways to Permanent Residency
Modern work environment & lifestyle
About the Occupation
Cooks are responsible for preparing ingredients, following recipes and menu specifications to create quality dishes. The role encompasses the full spectrum of food preparation tasks including cutting, cooking, seasoning, plating and ensuring food safety standards are met.
Core Responsibilities:
Examining foodstuffs to ensure quality
Regulating temperatures of ovens, grills and other cooking equipment
Preparing and cooking food
Seasoning food during cooking
Portioning food, placing it on plates, and adding gravies, sauces and garnishes
Storing food in temperature controlled facilities
Preparing food to meet special dietary requirements
May plan menus and estimate food requirements
May train other kitchen staff and apprentices
Why Australia Welcomes
Cooks?
Australia's vibrant hospitality and tourism sectors create constant demand for skilled Cooks. This occupation is included in the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), providing access to state-sponsored visa pathways and employer-sponsored opportunities.
As Cook is included in the STSOL, you have access to state-nominated visa pathways such as Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190), Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491), Work Visa (Subclass 482), or an Employer Sponsored Visa (Subclass 186/494) through the Temporary Residence Transition stream.
Next? Determine Your Pathway
Select the right assessment pathway based on your qualifications and work experience. Whether you hold formal trade certifications or have extensive hands-on experience, choosing the correct pathway ensures a smooth and successful skills assessment process for migration.
Pathway 1
Who is it for?
Applicants without an Australian VET qualification.
Outcome you can expect
Receive an Australian VET qualification upon successful assessment, along with an official outcome letter recognised for migration purposes.
Pathway 2
Who is it for?
Applicants with an Australian VET qualification OR current Australian licence.
Outcome you can expect
Assessment based on your existing qualifications. Receive an official outcome letter recognised for migration purposes.
Then, Choose Your Program
AQATO facilitates the Skills Assessment in partnership with Australian Trade Training College (TRA-approved RTO) for two programs, OSAP and TSS. These programs provide a pathway for skilled workers to obtain recognition for their existing skills or gain an Australian VET qualification.
To be eligible, applicants must work in a nominated occupation and hold a passport from a nominated country or Special Administrative Region (SAR).
OSAP (Offshore Skills Assessment Program)
Who can apply?
Migrants applying for skilled migration visas (excluding 485 & TSS)
Purpose
For permanent migration visas
TSS (Temporary Skills Shortage)
Check TSS Nominated Occupations, Countries and SARs →Who can apply?
Applicants applying for a Temporary Skill Shortage Visa
Purpose
For temporary skilled work
Step by Step Application Process
The Cook Skills Assessment process with Australian Qualifications & Training Overseas (AQATO) - Australian Trade Training College (ATTC) has 3 stages, ensuring your skills and experience are thoroughly evaluated against Australian industry standards.
Stage 01
Pre-Assessment
Stage 01
Pre-Assessment
The Pre-Assessment stage is designed to verify that applicants meet the eligibility and currency requirements for their nominated trade, program, and pathway prior to making any financial commitment at the Documentary Evidence stage.
TRA Fees
Australian Trade Training College (ATTC) offers this Free of Cost
Stage 02
Documentary Evidence
Stage 02
Documentary Evidence
Stage 03
Technical Interview
Stage 03
Technical Interview
Processing Times for Cook Skills Assessment
Application
Submitted
80%
in 6 weeks
95%
in 8 weeks
Current standard processing timeframe for a decision ready application is 6–8 weeks*.
*An application may take longer to process if additional information or documents are required.
Please note: Australian Qualifications & Training Overseas (AQATO) & Australian Trade Training College (ATTC) do not charge any assessment fees. All applicable fees are payable directly to Trades Recognition Australia (TRA). For detailed and updated information on current fees, please refer to the official TRA Website ↗
On successful completion of all four stages, Pathway 1 Plumber & Electrician applicants will obtain an Offshore Technical Skills Record (OTSR), which allows them to apply for a Provisional License, subject to meeting other non-skills requirements.
Real people, real words
Honest reviews from real experiences
Loading reviews...
Got more questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
